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Solar Incentives in Lancaster

Explore federal, state, and local utility incentives available for solar installations in Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Your Utility Company

PPL Electric Utilities (PPL)

Average Rate: $0.19/kWh

PPL currently offers full 1:1 retail-rate net metering for residential systems up to 50 kW. Important: PPL has proposed replacing 1:1 retail credits with hourly LMP-based (wholesale) credits, expected around mid-2026, which would reduce credit value by roughly 60–80%. Systems installed before the change may be grandfathered under current retail-rate terms — so installing sooner is advantageous in PPL territory.

Federal Incentives

Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) - EXPIRED

0%

The 30% federal tax credit for customer-owned residential solar systems expired on December 31, 2025. Homeowners who purchased and installed systems by 12/31/2025 may still claim the credit on their 2025 tax return. For systems installed in 2026 and beyond, the residential ITC is no longer available for customer-owned systems.

Eligibility: EXPIRED as of January 1, 2026 for new customer-owned installations. Third-party owned systems (leases/PPAs) may still offer savings through commercial tax credits passed to customers.

Expires: December 31, 2025

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Solar Lease/PPA Savings (via Commercial ITC)

Varies

While the residential solar tax credit expired 12/31/2025, third-party owned solar systems (leases and PPAs) can still benefit from commercial tax credits through 2027. These savings are typically passed to customers through lower lease payments or electricity rates.

Eligibility: Available for solar leases and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) where a third-party company owns the system and sells you the electricity.

Expires: December 31, 2027

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Pennsylvania State Incentives

Pennsylvania Net Metering

1:1 Retail Rate

Pennsylvania law requires investor-owned utilities — including PECO, PPL, Duquesne Light, Met-Ed, and Penelec — to offer 1:1 retail-rate net metering for residential systems up to 50 kW. Every kWh you export offsets a kWh you consume at the full retail rate. Credits roll forward monthly and are reconciled each year on May 31, with utilities required to pay a cash surplus for net annual overproduction. Note: PPL has proposed shifting to hourly wholesale (LMP-based) credits in 2026, so PPL customers should install sooner to lock in current terms.

Eligibility: Residential customers of Pennsylvania investor-owned utilities with grid-connected solar systems up to 50 kW. Interconnection application required before energizing the system.

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Pennsylvania AEPS Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs)

~$22–$40 per SREC

Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS) includes a 0.5% solar carve-out, creating an in-state market for Solar Renewable Energy Credits. You earn one SREC for every 1,000 kWh (1 MWh) your system produces, which can be sold to utilities that must meet the solar requirement. In 2026, PA SRECs have traded roughly in the $22–$40 range. A typical residential system generates about 8–12 SRECs per year, providing ongoing income on top of energy savings. Pennsylvania closed its borders to out-of-state SRECs in 2017, which strengthened in-state prices.

Eligibility: Pennsylvania solar system owners who register their system with the PJM-GATS tracking system and a PA certification. SRECs are sold through aggregators or brokers; prices fluctuate with supply and demand.

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Pennsylvania Solar for All

Varies (income-qualified)

Pennsylvania received federal Solar for All funding to expand residential solar access for low-income and disadvantaged households. The program provides grants and low-cost financing to reduce or eliminate upfront costs for qualifying homeowners, with the goal of delivering meaningful electricity bill savings. Program details and enrollment are administered at the state level and continue to roll out through 2026.

Eligibility: Income-qualified Pennsylvania households in eligible communities. Specific income thresholds, participating installers, and enrollment windows are set by the administering agency — check current program availability.

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PPL Electric Utilities Incentives

Contact PPL Electric Utilities for available solar incentives in Lancaster.

How to Apply for Incentives

  • ✓ Work with a certified solar installer who can help with applications
  • ✓ Apply for incentives before or immediately after installation
  • ✓ Keep all receipts and documentation for your solar system
  • ✓ Check eligibility requirements carefully before purchasing
  • ✓ Some incentives are first-come, first-served with limited funding

Next Steps

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